Federal Member for Newcastle

LABOR REINTRODUCES HIGH SPEED RAIL LEGISLATION

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has seconded Shadow Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese’s push to again get high speed rail off the ground.

Ms Claydon said Newcastle was one of the cities that stood to benefit the most from an east coast high speed rail connection.

“High speed rail has the potential to be an absolute game changer for Newcastle,” Ms Claydon said.

“It will revolutionise travel, create a wealth of jobs and turbocharge the local economy.”

Ms Claydon said it is the fifth time Labor has introduced the Bill to the Parliament because the Government refused to schedule previous bills for debate.

“This Bill would re-establish the High Speed Rail Authority so it can get on with the critical work of planning and securing the land for the rail corridor before it’s built out by urban sprawl,” Ms Claydon said.

“A study done by the former Labor Government showed that high speed rail would return $2.50 for every $1 invested, but we need to get moving on it quickly.”

Ms Claydon said the Abbott Government scrapped the High Speed Rail Planning Authority when it came to power, and no progress has been made under Malcolm Turnbull or Scott Morrison.